Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder, stealthily robs people of their ability to control movements, often beginning with barely noticeable tremors. Over time, it can lead to more severe symptoms like stiffness, slowed movement, and balance issues, profoundly impacting daily life.
Alarmingly, the incidence of Parkinson’s has been on the rise, casting a shadow over our aging populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has become twice as prevalent in the last 25 years.
In 2019, the disease led to 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), marking an 81% growth since 2000. PD-caused deaths, which touched 329,000 that year, highlighted an increase of over 100%. Even though research into pinpointing the cause of PD has been ongoing, we aren’t any closer to solving this great mystery of medicine.
However, in recent years, environmental toxins have emerged as a contributor to its onset. Could there be a link between environmental toxins and Parkinson’s Disease? We’re here today to dig deeper into this possibility.
The Contribution of Air Pollution to Parkinson’s Disease
Did you know that in 2022, 99% of the global population breathed air that exceeded the air quality limits determined by the WHO? It means that almost all of us are exposed to unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide as we breathe.
Air pollution becoming a global problem is no longer breaking news. However, its role as a risk factor in developing PD certainly is.
The Parkinson’s Foundation finds that microscopic air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can infiltrate our brain via the bloodstream. This infiltration leads to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both critical factors in the degeneration of neurons, characteristic of Parkinson’s.
The constant exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ultrafine particles can trigger chronic neuroinflammation, accelerating the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms. This highlights that people living in heavily polluted areas are more vulnerable to the risk of developing PD.
The correlation between air pollution and Parkinson’s is a stark reminder of the broader consequences of environmental neglect. It also highlights the need for further research into protective strategies against pollution-induced neurodegeneration.
Parkinson’s Disease-Causing Pesticides and Herbicides
While the air we breathe itself makes us vulnerable to the risk of developing Parkinson’s, that’s not all. There are other environmental toxins at play as well. For instance, certain chemical pesticides and herbicides can also play the role of PD contributors.
Here are two such examples with proven toxicity when it comes to Parkinson’s Disease:
Paraquat
TorHoerman Law recognizes Paraquat dichloride as a toxic chemical agent that has found widespread utility in the herbicide industry.
While the chemical was first produced over 130 years ago, it became popular in the mid-20th century. Today, it is used as a herbicide agent for hundreds of crop types. Several studies have linked Paraquat to a heightened risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
In recent years, the farmers who noticed signs of developing Parkinson’s following Paraquat exposure filed a lawsuit against its manufacturers. The most recent Paraquat lawsuit update reveals that over 5,700 cases have been registered in the ongoing lawsuit.
Agent Orange
Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, was intended to defoliate dense forests and eliminate enemy cover. This chemical mixture contained dioxin, a highly toxic compound with long-lasting environmental and health impacts.
Parkinson’s Foundation notes that veterans exposed to Agent Orange have reported numerous health issues, including an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
The dioxin in Agent Orange disrupts cellular function, causing oxidative stress that leads to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. The neuronal damage is linked to the increased incidence of this neurodegenerative disorder among veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a patient in the early stage of Parkinson’s Disease be cured?
Regardless of the stage, no absolute cure for PD has been discovered so far. However, early-stage patients of the disease can best manage their symptoms by combining medication with therapy and a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
What is the life expectancy with Parkinson’s?
While Parkinson’s isn’t a life-threatening disease itself, its symptoms make it harder for the patients to sustain a normal lifestyle. However, given the fact that most people are diagnosed with it in their 60s, it doesn’t affect their life expectancy by more than a few years.
What foods are recommended for people with Parkinson’s Disease?
Medical News Today notes that while your diet cannot treat Parkinson’s Disease, it can help in slowing its progression. Fish oil serves as an ideal example; you should add anchovies, sardines, salmon, and mackerel to your diet. Fava beans are another great addition due to the presence of levodopa in them.
With the cases of Parkinson’s Disease growing at an alarming rate globally, the absence of its definitive causes poses a major obstacle. Among all of the defined contributors, environmental factors are the most dangerous. This is because it’s impossible to protect one from the invasive nature of their exposure.
We can only hope to minimize the presence of pollutants and chemicals in our environment. Doing so will not only keep us safe from PD but also protect our planet.
